Napier Barracks, Dortmund: September 2010

Tell us what you know?

Hi all,

I have set this Blog up in order that we can share our memories and photos of our time in Napier Barracks. Whichever cap badge you had at the time, you all have a story to tell.

From the late 1940's until 1995, many regiments have passed through the gates of Napier Bks., albeit mainly Royal Artillery regiments and their supporting units. However, other units were present as Occupational Forces, including squadrons from the RAF Regt. and the Royal Scots Fusiliers post 1945; followed by the Royal Engineers in 1950.

Was you a member of one of the many Luftwaffe Squadrons, or an ancestor of anyone and has a tale to tell? 'Richthofen Kaserne' as the airfield with a new runway was known then. Did you serve in the famous Sturmstaffel 1 that was formed here in 1943?

Which artillery regiment did you serve with or attached unit? Did you serve with the 26th US Army Missile Detachment near the gate's entrance when two artillery regiments had Corporal nuclear missiles; or did you serve in the NAAFI, YMCA or WRVS? Come on, tell us what you know and share those photos you have.

Contact me: njedwards368@aol.com

Monday, 13 September 2010

Dortmund Brackel Aerodrome, Air Station (Flugplatz) and Airport (Flughafen) Timeline

1910: Amateur flights from fields north of Brackel.
1912: Air Station (Flugplatz) established for pilot training.
Post WW1: Postal flights from airfield. Brackel becomes part of Dortmund.
1921: German Air Freight Service operates from Flugplatz.
1924: Aeronautique Militaire (French Army Air Service) Squadrons (Escadrilles) that had been occupying area, departs.
1925: Commercial flights begin.
1926: Dortmund Aviation Club founded and foundations laid for Flughafen terminal.
1929: Anchor tower built for airships.
1930: 10 Aug. LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin lands north east of airfield.